Governor Hochul Announces Suspension of Construction-Related Lane Closures During Peak Holiday Travel Days

 

AAA Predicts 34 Percent Increase in Travel From 2020

No Non-Essential Lane Closures During Busiest Travel Times

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning Thursday, December 23 at 6 a.m. through Monday, December 27 at 6 a.m. Construction will also be suspended from Thursday, December 30 at 6 a.m. through Monday, January 3 at 6 a.m. to ease travel for motorists.

Motorists should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs. The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work.

“We are in the midst of one of the busiest travel times of the year and we want to ensure all New Yorkers are able to reach their destinations safely and without delay, so they can enjoy the holiday season,” Governor Hochul said. “To that end, we are suspending construction on state roads to help ease traffic during this time. I wish all New Yorkers a wonderful holiday season and remind them to please drive responsibly and help ensure this is happy and safe time for all.”

According to AAA more than 109 million people will travel this holiday season, which is an increase of almost 34 percent from 2020. That will bring this year’s numbers to 92 percent of 2019 levels.

The Governor reminds motorists that state and local law enforcement are participating in the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs through January 1, 2022. Motorists can expect to see sobriety checkpoints and more New York State Troopers on the roadways during the holiday travel season. The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers at service areas along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s morning to promote safety and alert driving.

Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving. All text stops will remain open, providing location where drivers can safely and conveniently use their phones and other mobile devices for calling, texting, navigating and accessing mobile apps. Texting while driving is especially dangerous, as it requires motorists to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said, “The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year and suspending construction over the holiday weekend will allow motorist to arrive at their destinations faster, with fewer delays. We urge motorists to move over for emergency and maintenance vehicles they see on the road, remain alert, and drive sober. We also want to remind drivers that due to the service area redevelopment project, 10 service areas are closed along the Thruway for renovations, so please plan your stops accordingly. Fuel services remain open at all locations, and no two consecutive service areas are closed in the same direction of travel. I wish all New Yorkers a happy holiday and New Year.”

State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “As the travel kicks up this holiday season, our Troopers will be ready to do their part to keep our roadways safe. We urge all drivers to do their part by putting their electronic devices away and staying focused and alert. Please obey posted speed limits and follow the rules of the road. Also, those celebrating this holiday season should do so safely by planning ahead or driving sober. Together, we can save lives and prevent serious injuries.”

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

Follow the Thruway Authority on Twitter @NYSThruway and on Facebook at New York State Thruway Authority.

Travelers can check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on iTunes or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter @NYSDOT and on Facebook at New York State Department of Transportation.

The Department of Motor Vehicles urges drivers to use the Have a Plan app to help find a safe way home from a celebration where they may be drinking. The free app from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation allows users to designate a driver, call a cab or ride share, and to review the consequences of impaired driving. Users can even use the app to report a drunk or drugged driver. The app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smart phones.

Follow DMV on Twitter @NYSDMV and on Facebook at New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Comptroller Stringer Releases Annual Report on NYC Economic and Fiscal Outlook

 

 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released an annual analysis of the City’s economic and financial position, as required by the City Charter, finding that while the City’s economic recovery has been slower than hoped, a combination of extraordinary pension fund investment returns in fiscal year 2021 and savings from bond refinancings allowed the City to reduce outyear budget gaps. 

The report analyzes the City’s November 2021 Financial Plan — which includes budget projections into FY 2025 – and potential risks and offsets to the City’s projected budget gaps.

To read Comptroller Stringer's full analysis of the November Plan, Click here

MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMPTROLLER STRINGER, AND TRUSTEES ANNOUNCE SUCCESSFUL $3 BILLION DIVESTMENT FROM FOSSIL FUELS

 

 New York City’s pension funds achieve first in the nation pension fund divestment from fossil fuel reserve owners - one of the largest fossil fuel divestments in the world

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, and trustees of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and the New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) announced the successful divestment of securities related to fossil fuel companies, bringing the total divestment across all funds to an estimated $3 billion. The divestment, one of the largest in the world, will address the significant financial and environmental risks that these fossil fuel holdings pose to the funds and to our planet. The announcement by the Mayor, Comptroller, and Trustees follows an extensive and thorough fiduciary process to prudently assess the portfolio’s exposure to fossil fuel stranded asset risk and industry decline and other financial risks stemming from climate change.

“New York City is fighting for a greener future by leading the transition away from the fuels of the past. Today’s achievement shows the nation and the world that bold action is not only needed to protect future generations, it is also smart fiscal policy,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This $3 billion divestment, along with our billions in investments in climate solutions, is accelerating our transition to a green and just economy and advancing a climate-friendly future for generations to come. I thank the trustees for their commitment to the environment and our retirees.”

 

“Today is a major victory for our planet, our children, and our pensioners,” said Comptroller Stringer. “The successful divestment of $3 billion out of fossil fuels is proof-positive that environmental and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand. New York City is leading the way toward a clean, green and sustainable economy, and the impacts of the actions we are announcing today will be felt for generations to come. Today is made possible by so many people—the trustees whose leadership and steadfast commitment to our pensioners’ retirement security kept this process on track, investment experts who made sure that every step of this process was thoughtful and fiduciarily sound, to advocates who sounded the alarm about the growing financial and environmental risks posed by climate change. Thank you for standing up for a cleaner, greener, brighter future.”

 

In January 2018, the trustees announced a goal to divest from fossil fuel reserve owners within five years, consistent with fiduciary duty; thereby, making New York City the first major city in the nation to commit to divesting major public pension funds from fossil fuel reserve companies.  The Systems retained independent investment consultants who conducted investment analyses showing the risks posed by fossil fuel companies and the prudent nature of the divestment actions adopted by the Boards.

The New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and the New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) have completed their process of divesting approximately $1.8 billion and $100 million in securities, respectively. The New York City Teachers’ Retirement System’s (TRS) divestment is underway with over $1 billion divested to date, and is expected to be complete by Q1 2022 with approximately $1 billion remaining.  Securities were identified based on demonstrated risk from fossil fuel reserves and business activity, and the trustees will continue to evaluate risk in their portfolios to determine additional actions as warranted. The list of combined divested securities from the NYCERS and BERS portfolios can be accessed here. TRS utilized a different investment consultant and employed different criteria to identify a different overall list of securities to divest than NYCERS and BERS. The names of TRS’ divested securities will be released upon completion of its divestment.

 

Since the initial announcement, hundreds of other institutions, governments, and entities have joined this commitment. The City also partnered with C40 and London to engage other cities to promote fossil fuel divestment.

 

The fossil fuel divestment builds upon the funds’ recent actions to address the risks and opportunities presented by a global transition to a low carbon economy. In October 2021, Mayor de Blasio, Comptroller Stringer and trustees announced the funds adopted a commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in their investment portfolios by 2040. This includes a goal to double investments in climate change solutions, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and green real estate, to over $8 billion by 2025 and achieve a total of over $37 billion in climate solutions investments by 2035 across the three funds. The goal and plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, which were proposed jointly by the Mayor and Comptroller, addresses the vast financial, environmental and social risks that climate change poses to the funds and planet, will further align the funds’ investments with the accelerating transition towards a low carbon economy, and help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to prevent the most devastating impacts of climate change. New York City is among the first cities in the nation to commit to a net zero emissions goal in their public pension funds, and is the first city in the nation to set an ambition of reaching net zero emissions by as early as 2040.

"From the destruction inflicted on our coastal communities during Superstorm Sandy to the unprecedented flooding of our inland neighborhoods during Hurricane Ida, no borough has felt the severe sting of climate change like Queens. By successfully divesting billions of dollars from fossil fuel-related securities that directly contribute to a warming planet, New York City is once again claiming its place at the forefront of the global green revolution," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Divesting from fossil fuel is itself a direct investment in the future health and well-being of our families, ensuring our children have a fighting chance against the perils of climate change."

 

"We’d like to thank Comptroller Stringer, for his years of public service and his leadership in protecting our pensions and our planet by divesting from fossil fuel investments.  Thank you for joining the fight to reduce the money flowing to the world’s most dangerous polluters," said Dorian Fulvio, 350NYC Steering Committee member.

 

"Once again, New York City is a beacon of progressive climate action,” said Richard Brooks, Stand.earth Climate Finance Program Director. “This ahead-of-schedule and unprecedentedly transparent completion of one of the biggest fossil fuel divestments translates words and commitment into real action. Every pension fund and investor needs to pay attention: if divestment can be completed in New York, it can and should happen everywhere."

The participating New York City Pension Funds’ trustees are:

New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS): Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Representative, John Adler (Chair); New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Gale Brewer (Manhattan), Donovan Richards (Queens), Eric Adams (Brooklyn), James Oddo (Staten Island), and Ruben Diaz, Jr. (Bronx); Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; Tony Utano, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS): Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Appointee, John Adler; Chancellor’s Representative, Lindsey Oates, New York City Department of Education; Natalie Green Giles; and Debra Penny (Chair), Thomas Brown and David Kazansky, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

Board of Education Retirement System (BERS): Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter; Mayoral: Isaac Carmignani, Natalie Green Giles, Vanessa Leung, Gary Linnen, Lori Podvesker, Eric C. Henry, Kathy Park Price; Thomas Sheppard (CEC); Michael Kraft (Manhattan BP), Deborah Dillingham (Queens BP), April Chapman (Brooklyn BP), Geneal Chacon (Bronx BP) and Jaclyn Tacoronte (Staten Island BP); and employee members John Maderich of the IUOE Local 891 and Donald Nesbit of District Council 37, Local 372.

49th Precinct Holds Toy Giveaway at Precinct House.

 

It was a cold Tuesday afternoon outside the 49th Precinct on Eastchester Road, but inside there was plenty of warmth and smiles from the police officers, and children who got to see Santa Claus and received a toy for Christmas. The children also received a cookie and cup of hot cocoa, while there was coffee for the adults. 

On hand was Deputy Inspector Andrew Natiw who is still the commanding officer at the 49th Precinct, as it was rumored he would be moved to a different position in the department. He said there is a freeze on moving anyone until after the new mayor and police commissioner are installed so they can make the changes. Deputy Inspector Natiw has been at the 49th Precinct for almost three years and has done an excellent job of making the 49 one of the safest precincts in the city. Captain Despat was introduced as the new Executive Officer, who has been at the 49th Precinct for three months now, and is making a towering presence as he is the tallest officer at the 49th Precinct. 

New 49th Precinct Executive Officer Captain Despat (left), Deputy Inspector Natiw, Officer Fernandez and some of the Explorers who helped on the toy giveaway.

The Explorers helped give out the toys with Officer Fernandez.

Captain Despat got right into it by posing with this family and Santa.

Another family poses with Santa holding the toys they received.

Violet here, stole the show sitting on Santa's lap holding her toy she received.

After Violet, Officer Fernandez had to sit on Santa's lap.

Not to be outdone, Community Affairs officer Graham had to sit on Santa's lap. 

A NEW DIGITAL TOOL FOR THE PUBLIC: DCP Launches Capital Planning Explorer

 

Website gives residents and planners a single spot to see details of all City-funded infrastructure projects, recent housing permits and city facility locations 

 Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Anita Laremont today announced the launch of Capital Planning Explorer, a new, map-based website aimed at increasing transparency around capital planning. This platform builds on an existing map of city facilities by adding details about all City-funded capital projects in the five boroughs, alongside geographic views of housing permits.

“As we work to make government increasingly accessible and accountable to the public, Capital Planning Explorer offers information about committed costs and geographies for all City-funded capital improvement projects, as well as stats on housing permits and details for city facilities in all five boroughs. Large or small, being able to see capital projects both completed and committed is essential as we plan for a more equitable New York City,” said DCP Director Anita Laremont. 

“During this administration, we have worked hard to build trust and increase transparency into the capital process, and this new DCP Capital Planning Explorer is another great step in connecting residents to important information,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “In addition to our NYC Parks Capital Tracker, this new map will make it even easier for New Yorkers to see how their city is working for them and view detailed information about the capital projects in their neighborhoods.”

“When city government works cohesively, the benefits are endless,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Capital Projects bring with them essential improvements to neighborhoods citywide. We are proud to be part of the launch of the Capital Planning Explorer, where information on these projects will be more easily accessible to New Yorkers.”

Capital Planning Explorer is comprised of three map layers: Capital Projects, Facilities, and New Housing Developments.

For Capital Projects, each mappable entry includes details on funding, the agency managing the work, the agency funding the work, fiscal years the project has been and will be active, and future financial commitments. These funded projects are found in the Capital Commitment Plan published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Capital Commitment Plan is released three times a year and follows the long-term vision set out in the Ten-Year Capital Strategy.

Capital Projects provides a bevy of research options for the public, with projects viewable in both map and table formats. Users can narrow results by agency, project type (i.e. highways, sanitation, universal pre-K), funds committed, and active fiscal years. An address search allows for the creation of a radius to learn about nearby projects as well. The table allows analysis by agency, project type, and funding.

The Facilities map layer, launched in 2017, shows the location of nearly all City and State facilities in New York City, broken down by categories such as Parks, Gardens and Historical Sites; Libraries and Cultural Programs; Health and Human Services; Core Infrastructure and Transportation; and more.

Housing Development maps all housing permits found throughout the five boroughs, color-coded by new construction, a building alteration, or a demolition. This supplemental information on the number and types of housing units found on any city block is key to the city’s planning processes for capital projects.

All datasets are available to download in a machine-readable format, making them easy to analyze for planning and mapping purposes. This public release of a beta platform also includes features allowing any user to provide feedback on desired enhancements, and report bugs.

With these transparency tools, among others DCP has produced, residents, advocates, community boards, elected officials, and city planners can easily identify the wide range of funded infrastructure improvements and how they align with the city’s facilities and housing permits. This is critical to our work for a more equitable and sustainable city.

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Combat Housing Discrimination

In Response to Newsday’s “Long Island Divided” Expose, Governor Hochul Signs a Nine Bill Action Plan to Combat Housing Discrimination 

Establishes the Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund to be Used by the Attorney General’s Office for Fair Housing Testing

Establishes that All State and Local Agencies Have an Obligation to Further Fair Housing

Increases the Required Training for Real Estate Professionals Relating to Fair Housing Laws and Housing Discrimination; Requires Standardized Intake Procedures be Used by Real Estate Professionals

Creates a Dedicated Telephone Line for Housing Discrimination Complaints

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a sweeping legislative package that included nine different bills to combat housing discrimination. This legislative package addresses many of the issues identified in an expose by Newsday, “Long Island Divided”, which explored discrimination and both explicit and implicit bias that exists in the real estate industry.

"For too long, the dream of owning a home has been out of reach for too many New Yorkers because of discrimination and bigotry," said Governor Hochul. "When intrepid investigative journalists uncovered housing discrimination in New York, we took action to end this unacceptable practice. I'm proud to sign strong new laws expanding access to fair housing and allowing more New Yorkers to achieve the American dream of owning their homes."

The centerpiece of the legislation is the Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund that will permit the state to conduct fair housing testing. New efforts also range from increasing training and raising the maximum fines for misconduct by real estate brokers and salespersons, to emphasizing that all state and local agencies that administer state housing programs have an obligation to “affirmatively further fair housing.” These new bills, passed thanks to the efforts of Senate Housing Committee Chair Brian Kavanagh and Assembly Housing Committee Chair Steven Cymbrowitz, will ensure the real estate workforce is well versed in fair housing practices, and that the new fund is sufficiently resourced to carry out its intended purpose. 

Creation of the Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund, Increasing Fines and Adding a Surcharge to Licensing Fees

Legislation (S.945-B/A.6866) establishes an Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund, a portion of which will be supported by fines collected for violations of anti-discrimination sections of the real property law. This bill increases the fine ceiling from $1,000 to $2,000 and then diverts 50 percent of the revenue from these fines to the Anti-Discrimination in Housing Fund. This fund will be available to the Office of the Attorney General for fair housing testing who will allocate grants to various government and non-governmental entities specializing in anti-housing discrimination. 

11 Days and Counting

 

I am starting my daily Media availability and Mr. moderator I do not want you to call on that Ace reporter Robert Press from the Bronx Chronicle and Parrot TV Talking Politics Friday's at noon live on You Tube . He will rip me apart on that show as he has done to soon to be former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx democratic Party. 

I don't want Ace reporter Robert Press to ask me to tell everyone the numbers of Omicron cases because we are trying to keep those numbers secret so we can panic everyone to get vaccinated and get their booster shots. Also we want people to get tested so we can have numbers of people testing positive so we can scare people even more. I don't want that Ace reporter Robert Press to ask me what is the reliability of the testing, because just like the vaccination and booster shots we don't really know. I will change the subject to Climate Change this morning.

Statement from Governor Hochul on Winter Surge in COVID-19 Cases

 

"I want to thank President Biden for his leadership in fighting the nationwide COVID-19 winter surge and taking comprehensive action against the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. 

As part of our state's comprehensive Winter Surge Plan, we’ve taken bold steps to make vaccines, boosters, testing and masks more widely available in all corners of New York State, and we will continue to bring relief to hospital systems so they can remain focused on providing care to all New Yorkers. 

The President and I spoke again today about how to address this surge, and I'm grateful that he is responding to our requests for additional personnel to support our hospitals and health systems, including the deployment of 30 ambulances with staff to Upstate areas; new mass testing sites, including the first one to be operational in New York City before Christmas; and rapid tests sent directly to Americans in their homes. This is real leadership. 

I look forward to our continued partnership with the Biden Administration to assist New York State as we fight the winter surge."